Salzburg and surroundings

The enchanting silhouette of the Fortress, Cathedral and church steeples in this baroque city north of the Alps. So beautiful that it is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site. So famous that its attractions are among the most famous in the world. You should visit Hangar-7 Red Bull (a collection of historic aircraft and Formula 1 racing cars). If you come in the winter, do not miss the Krampus procession. For shoppers not far from Salzburg Airport is a designer outlet center McArthurGlen.

Salzburg is one of the most famous cities of culture the world over and annually the quaint baroque city hosts around 4000 cultural events. Numerous cultural genii have left their impression on Salzburg down the centuries - among them Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Michael Haydn, Stefan Zweig and Hugo von Hofmannsthal. 

World famous and a cultural high point - year for year; that’s the Salzburg Festival. In the summer the Salzburg Festival transforms the city of Mozart into one immense stage – for several weeks.

International stars such as Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazón and Riccardo Muti attract opera, concert and theatre lovers and high society concert-goers to Salzburg.

A host of outstanding galleries and museums such as the Museum of Modern Art, the Rupertinum, Mozart's Birthplace, the Mozart Residence, Salzburg Museum, the Cathedral Museum, the Baroque Museum and the Toy Museum invite visitors to a lazy afternoon of browsing. Precious objects of art, modern works of art and the occasional bizarre exhibit are there to admire and appreciate.

Anyone who has wandered around the older parts of Salzburg will tell you that the historical area of the town is divided into two parts – the right bank and left bank of the city. The left bank of the River Salzach is the older of the two, some of the earliest evidence of settlements dating back to Roman times. Those wishing to go from one side of the city to the other can cross one of the numerous bridges that connect up the old part of town along the river: Nonntaler Brücke, Mozartsteg, Staatsbrücke, Makartsteg and Müllnersteg.
The old part of Salzburg is home to a variety of architectural styles and treasures, protected not least by a number of conservation directives. Tucked away out of clear view, a stroll along the lanes, alleys and passageways can reveal buildings dating back to the medieval, romantic, renaissance and baroque periods, as well as the sophisticated, classical architecture of the homes belonging to the monarchy. There is hardly an epoch of historical note that has not left its mark within the city.

Advent in Salzburg

Perchten and Krampusses (wild spirits) in many different styles and shapes can be seen throughout the Bavarian and Austrian alpine region during the winter season. They are frightening and not very appealing to the eye.

"Krampus" is the untamed, shaggy spirit that accompanies St. Nicholas. Krampusses usually roam in larger groups. Their traditional costumes and masks are elaborately handcrafted. Krampusses can usually be encountered on and a few days before December 6.